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Uncover a domain of new skills alongside amazing locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences offer a superb blend of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including complete beginners will quickly be scaling protected regional rock faces on this weekend session. Learners will master securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but you can find a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

Cost: From €900 for five days. Dates from March 20th, 8 May, September 11th and November 13th.

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Available January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

Cost: £248. Sessions on 30-31 May and 5-6 September.

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: From 299 pounds. Weekends on July 18th-20th and September 4th-6th.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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